Heart of the 1000 Islands

Rockport’s rich history dates back over 200 years when Scottish and Irish settlers first came to the area. In the 1880’s, Rockport was an important steamboat building, transportation and cord wood refueling centre.

Rockport’s history of boat building is depicted by a mural on the boat building shed at Andress Boat Works. Established in 1921, it is estimated that nearly 50 tour boats and working boats, plus many St. Lawrence Skiffs, were built at Andress Boat Works. The standard St. Lawrence skiff is a river icon. St. Lawrence skiffs, once common on the river of their namesake, are fading into the past.

The first ferryboat from Alexandria Bay, New York to Rockport started operation in 1924, owned by the Hutchision Brothers with a flat scow and a motorboat to tow the scow. Later the ferry was taken over by the Hutchision Ferry Co. in 1925 when the steamboat, the Roosevelt was put on to take the place of the scow. As the business developed another boat was necessary to accommodate the increased traffic. The General Hancock was added in 1929 until the Thousand Island Bridge was built and the ferry boats were discontinued. A large photo mural of the Roosevelt and General Hancock can be found on the Boathouse Motel.

Be sure to take a Historic Walking Tour when visiting Rockport.

The walking paths through the village provide an opportunity to glimpse into 200 years of history, through architecture and vistas. You will find heritage interpretive signage and historic photo murals on display throughout the village. Walking tour brochures are available at the Rockport General Store and the Ticket Office.

The Church of the Redeemer is a quaint church situated at the entrance to Rockport. It was built in 1896. The interior of this building holds the key to the history of its founders. Possibly designed by the boat builders of the community, its varnished walls and ceiling consist of tongue and groove Georgia Pine with supports resembling boat ribs. Many of the original settlers were boat builders and river men, whose families & descendants remain vital to the village.

Chinese Friendship Agreement

The Village of Rockport was the site of the Chinese Friendship Agreement between the 1000 Islands Canada and the 1000 Islands Lake in China On September 13, 2009.

The two world-renowned tourist destinations will share their resources as they draw more visitors while ensuring a sustainable environment. Under the agreement, local tourism departments will meet regularly for mutual promotion of products and share information and experiences in managing and protecting their environment. The agreement was signed by former Frank Kinsella, Mayor of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Ontario, and Ling Zhifeng, Mayor of Chun’an County, Zhejiang Province, where the “Thousand Islands Lake” is located.

A Red Maple tree and a Ginkgo tree, as symbols of friendship between the two countries, were planted in the Front St. Garden, in Rockport. The trees represent how the friendship will grow between the two 1000 Islands.